CN101044520A - System and method for providing a card tournament using one or more electronic card tables - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic card table and a method are provided, which is used for providing a plurality of players with an electronic card game. The electronic card table comprises a table, which is equipped with a bench top, a table top and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas on the periphery of the table top. A player interface, which is interacted with one of the players, is provided by each electronic player interaction area. A rabbit button is arranged on each player interface. At least a turn of the electronic card game is managed by virtual card, and at least a winner is confirmed in one turn and is provided with a total wager as a reward. The turn comprises at least a common card, and any common card not sent out can be checked by the player through opening the rabbit button after the winner is determined.

Description

The system and method for electronics canaster is provided

Technical field

The application requires the right of priority of No. the 60/610th, 262, U.S. Provisional Patent Application sequence that on September 16th, 2004 was proposed.

Present invention relates in general to provide the system and method for electronics canaster.

Background technology

Gambling (gaming, game) is a kind of more and more welcome entertainment form.Recreation, especially with the recreation of fortune and skill, wherein one or more players participate in (play) and stake (wager) are given as security on the result, and it can have different modes to play, and is included in gambling house or other venue, perhaps on the internet.In the multi-form recreation that these can be played, much all play with playing card.In these, snipsnapsnorum may be most popular.

Traditionally, playing card are played on the table by several players, and bank note, coin or chip are given as security on a series of playing card, and they are dealt out the cards from secondary 52 boards.This secondary board is made up of four groups of boards, every group of 13 boards.The playing card of this form require have banker (dealer, dealer) to coordinate this recreation, comprise deal out the cards, make a bet (wagering), abandon board (folding) etc.A problem of tradition playing card is that may there be the mistake of people/banker in it.In " social activity " board recreation, playing card especially, the player serves as banker in turn, but in the commercial gambling of permission mechanism, gambling house for example, (non-playing) employee that banker does not attend a game typically.Another relevant with traditional snipsnapsnorum like this, in this case problem is training and possesses banker.

Another kind of alternative form of gambling has special relation with playing card, has begun on the internet to rise.The internet gambling has become extremely successful, because it provides a lot of selections for the player.Particularly, internet gambling is convenient and swift, after the registration, can bet (bet) and expenditure from any computing machine of linking the internet almost, typically arranges payment via credit card.

Playing card or other are played card to play and also can be provided by the unit of similar automatic fruit machine.

A major defect of internet and stand-alone type recreation is that it lacks human factor.A lot of people would rather be with other player's poker board, partly because with the relevant stimulation of " scene " gambling.Unquestionable, when directly vying each other, people can improve competitive level.In gambling mechanism, experienced player attempts carefully to ponder that strategy and the action by other players and playing method are distinguished examines its intention, thereby has more competitiveness.

Electronic card game such as electronic playing card game has been provided to allow the player to be at war with each other, but has removed banker and Physics-studying card.Yet a problem relevant with the electronics board is to keep the confidentiality of each player's board, and these boards typically are displayed on next-door neighbour player's the monitor.In general, prior art is handled this problem by protection or other physical barriers that certain type is provided.Yet the equipment of these types has several intrinsic problems, and they are easy to lost efficacy (defeat) position by they being moved on to the board that can see the player.In addition, these equipment volume are big, and extend to the top of monitor easily.This can influence the overall appearance of environment, and the player is divert one's attention.

In the snipsnapsnorum of " board turning (flop) " type, for example Texas Hold ' em playing card or Omaba playing card, the board in each player's hand may comprise some cards in one's hand unique to the player, one or more community card is sent faceup.The player must be made the decision of stake (betting) or be abandoned board in one or more community card before opening.

If have only a player to abandon board, then Sheng Xia player is the winner of this dish.When taking place on this is having traditional playing card table of real banker, the player who has abandoned board can require banker to open one or more community card of not sending that can be issued once in a while.This is commonly called " beagling (rabbit hunting) ".This wishes from player's angle, because whether this allows them to see they have made correct decision.Yet this is normally unallowed on traditional playing card table, the recreation because this can slow down.

The present invention is conceived to above-mentioned one or more problems.

Summary of the invention

One aspect of the present invention is the electronic playing card table that electronic playing card game is provided for a plurality of players.This electronic playing card table comprises desk, the desktop that has table top arranged and is positioned at a plurality of electronics player interaction area of the periphery of this desktop, and toy computer.Each electronics player interaction area provide with these players in one carry out mutual player interface.A rabbit button (rabbit button) is arranged on each player interface.This toy computer is connected to described a plurality of electronics player interaction area, manages at least one dish electronic playing card game to use virtual board, determines the winner of at least one dish, and total stake is rewarded to the winner.This toy computer sends at least one community card, and after the winner was determined, the unlatching that responds this rabbit button allowed any player to check any community card of not sending.

Another aspect of the present invention is the method that electronic playing card game is provided on a plurality of electronics player interaction area and toy computer.Each electronics player interaction area provide with these players in one carry out mutual player interface.Each player interface comprises a rabbit button.This toy computer is connected to described a plurality of electronics player interaction area.This method may further comprise the steps, and uses virtual board to manage at least one dish electronic playing card game, determines the winner of at least one dish, and total stake is rewarded to the winner.This at least one dish comprises at least one community card.After the winner was determined, any player can check any community card of not sending by opening its rabbit button.

Another aspect of the present invention is the method that electronic playing card game is provided for a plurality of players on the electronic playing card table.This electronic playing card table comprises desk, a plurality of electronics player interaction area, and toy computer.This desk has table top.Described electronics player interaction area is positioned at the periphery of this desktop.Each electronics player interaction area provide with these players in one carry out mutual player interface.Each player interface comprises a rabbit button.This method may further comprise the steps, and uses virtual board to manage at least one dish electronic playing card game, determines the winner of at least one dish, and total stake is rewarded to the winner.This at least one dish comprises at least one community card.After the winner was determined, any player can check any community card of not sending by opening its rabbit button.

Description of drawings

Other advantage of the present invention will equally easily be recognized, when being considered, will be better understood with reference to following detailed description with accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the synoptic diagram that the system of electronic playing card game is provided on one or more electronic playing card tables according to one embodiment of present invention;

Fig. 2 is the simplification diagrammatic sketch of the desktop of electronic playing card table among Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is the simplification diagrammatic sketch of the desktop of electronic playing card table among according to another embodiment of the invention Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is the block scheme of system among Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is the second party block diagram of system among Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, comprises the unit of electronic playing card table;

Fig. 6 is the synoptic diagram of electronic playing card table according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 is the top view of electronic playing card table among Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is the synoptic diagram of a module of electronic playing card table among Fig. 6 according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is the expression of the first screen image shown on the electronics player interaction area of system among Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is the expression of the second screen image shown on the electronics player interaction area of system among Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 is the expression of electronics player interaction area that is embodied as the system of handheld device among Fig. 1;

Figure 12 is the expression at the front and the back side of electronic playing card;

Figure 13 is a block scheme of playing the system of electronic playing card on the electronic playing card table according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is the expression that has the electronics player interaction area of rabbit button according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 is the top view of electronic playing card table among Figure 13;

Figure 16 is the process flow diagram that the method for electronic playing card game is provided on the electronic playing card table according to an embodiment of the invention; And

Figure 17 is schematically illustrating of community card viewing area of not sending according to an embodiment of the invention.

Embodiment

With reference to accompanying drawing, in operation, the present invention relates generally tosystem 10 and its method is provided, and relate to electronic playing card.Specifically with reference to Fig. 1,system 10 is designed to place the gambling environment, and for example the gambling house 12.Typically, thisgambling environment 12 is zones of special or appointment ingambling house 12, and for example playing card chamber or playingcard district 14 impale with for example railing 16.May be used to one of them implementation or occasion though more than spoken ofsystem 10, the present invention is not limited to this occasion or implementation.

In the embodiment that is illustrated,system 10 has used electronic money and electronic playing card to provide the automatic playing card recreation to play for one or more players.In one aspect of the invention, do not need the people to serve asbanker.System 10 can tackle the function of all bankers.

System 10 can be used for any mutation or the version of poker board.Yet, in order to describe in detail,system 10 to be illustrated as to be suitable for use in to realize being called as in the playing card version of Texas Hold ' em.

In one aspect of the invention,system 10 can handle to player's seat allocation, electronic money is provided, receives stake, and distributes total stake to give thewinner.System 10 shuffles to a cover electronic playing card in the electronics mode, and electronic playing card is issued the player, and any community card is issued electronics board or playing card table 18.System 10 also can handle the player make a bet, abandon board, with annotating (calling), and limit this point according to the people who takes turns to.

In another aspect of the present invention, board in thesystem 10 or playing card table 18 are networked, and are connected on one or more servers and (see below).Server can be used for realizing and convenient player follows the trail of, bill is come in and gone out (ticket in ticket out) (cash-free) make a bet, distribute the player be sitting in specific table upward, league matches (tournament play), build (set-up) desk and (comprise and open and shut desk, and revise the desk parameter), and accumulative total ground jackpot (jackpot).

As shown in the embodiment that is illustrated,system 10 comprises a plurality of electronic playing card tables 18.In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1,system 10 comprises ten playing card table 18A-18J, though the present invention does not limit concrete electronic playing card table number.

The simple representative layout of thedesktop 20 of playing card table 18 according to the first and second aspects of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 2 and 3 respectively.

In the top view of the desktop shown in Fig. 2 20,desktop 20 comprisestable top 22 and a plurality of electronics player interaction area 24.In the embodiment that is illustrated, playing card table 18 maximum ten players that once can sit down like this, comprise ten electronicsplayer interaction area 24A-24J.

In the top view of the desktop shown in Fig. 3 20 (wherein identical unit comes mark with same Reference numeral),desktop 20 comprisestable top 22 and a plurality of electronics player interaction area (EPIA) 24.In the embodiment that is illustrated, playing card table 18 maximum ten players that once can sit down like this, comprise ten electronicsplayer interaction area 24A-24J.Desktop 10 also comprises central authorities or public viewing area (CDA) 26.

In one embodiment, each electronicsplayer interaction area 24A-24J is used to directly transmission information and gives the player who is assigned to concrete electronicsplayer interaction area 24A-24J, and realizes that player's user interface (seeing below) is to finish mutual or to import from the player.Central orpublic viewing area 26 is used to display message and gives all players.

For example in one embodiment,system 10 is used to play the playing card version that is known as Texas Hold ' em.In Texas Hold ' em, each player is sent to several boards, and for example, two boards face down.These are called as the player's " end " board 28.Several boards, for example, three or five, facing up is issued and is presented in the public viewing area 26.These are called as community card 30.Like this, the board in player's hand comprises player's card in one'shand 28 and community card 30.Board in which player's hand reaches the highest proficiency playing card (poker hand), and then he is exactly that winner who takes turns or playing card participants in a bridge game (hand of poker).

In one aspect of the invention, card in one's hand 28 is shown on electronicsplayer interaction area 24 separately with facing down, and community card is shown in public viewing area 26.Card in one'shand 28 is shown with the first predetermined ratio, and community card is shown with the second predetermined ratio.First and second estimated rates can be represented as the ratio of standard-sized playing card or predetermined default size.In one embodiment, first and second ratios are identical.In another embodiment, the first and second ratio differences.For example, first and second ratios can be defined like this and makecommunity card 30 be shown as greater than card in one'shand 28.

With reference to Fig. 6,7 and 8, in one embodiment, electronicsplayer interaction area 24 uses independently display device to realize that for example touch-screen display 32.Each display 32 can be positioned in movably in themodule 34.

Module 34 can be incorporated Full Featured computing machine into.This computing machine comprise can the operation system processor, for example Windows XP or Windows CE, both can both obtain from the Microsoft company of State of Washington Redmond.In one embodiment,module 34 comprisesboard reader 36, is used for reading player's ID card (not shown).

In the embodiment that is illustrated,module 34 is installed in 20 li of desktops, makes touch-screen display 32 parallel with desktop 20.Yet touch-screen display 32 can be mounted with an angle with respect to desktop 20.As an alternative,module 34 can be adjustable, thereby provides adjustable visual angle for touch-screen display 32.

In one embodiment,central display area 26 independently is being implemented on the display 38, for example LCD or plasma display or similar equipment.

The other parts of desktop can be used such as felt, or more specifically, the such material of green, blue or red felt covers.Logos, game information or out of Memory can be imprinted on this material.

In as the embodiment that selects, electronicsplayer interaction area 24 andcentral display area 26 can realize on individual monitor that it has covered most of desktop.Electronicsplayer interaction area 24 andcentral display area 26 can be separated by virtual boundary with the other parts of desktop 20.Viewing area around electronicsplayer interaction area 24 and thecentral display area 26 can be used to imitate the desktop of standard playing card table, for example, can be shown such as the image of the material of green felt.In addition, logos, game information, out of Memory, advertisement, announcement, picture, video, or out of Memory can be shown, rotate, take turns commentaries on classics or be shown in the limited time on thedesktop 20.

As described below,system 10 and playing card table 18 though be electronics, be designed to pass on the integral body of the playing card chamber of the not charged sub-playing card table of retention criteria and feel gentle atmosphere.Around each electronic playing card table 18 someplaying card chairs 40 are arranged.The number ofplaying card chair 40 equals the number of electronicsplayer interaction area 24 on the electronic playing card table 18.

With reference to Fig. 6 and 7, in the embodiment that is illustrated, playing card table 18 is the player of oval and the maximum number of can sitting down especially.For example, playing card table 18 can be dimensioned maximum 2-10 player that sits down, though the present invention does not limit the playing card table of any specific dimensions.As mentioned above, the desktop between electronics player interaction area and central authorities that may be provided or public viewing area has been capped the material such as green felt, or its simulation.Playing card table comprises that one ormore substrate 42, one ormore table legs 44 are connected to them.Table leg 44 is supporting desktop.Railing orpin 46 are round the periphery ofdesktop 20.

Specifically with reference to Figure 4 and 5, as mentioned above,system 10 can comprise one or more electronic playing card tables 18.In one aspect of the invention, playing card table 18 for example uses Ethernet 48 to network together.One or more servers 50 can be utilized forsystem 10 function is provided.For example, server 50 can be used to realize different functions, include but not limited to:

-data and player follow the trail of,

-cash-free making a bet,

-definition and modification desk parameter comprise,open desk 18 and close, and are arranged on the recreation of playing on thedesk 18, and the parameter of making a bet is set, etc..,

-definition and management jackpot comprise place deduction (house percentage), that is, and and commission (rake)

The jackpot of-definition and management accumulative total,

-for the player develops and manages formation, and give player seat and/or concrete desk from queue assignment, and

-develop and manage league matches, comprise and distribute to the player seat, folding table, or the like ....

With reference to Fig. 5, in one embodiment, eachdesk 18 comprises ten electronicsplayer interaction area 24 especially, and they are implemented in computing machine based on module 34.Eachmodule 34 is operated on operating system or is moved, for example the Windows XP of Microsoft or Windows CE.Eachmodule 34 is connected to server 50 by network 48.Go out as shown, another computingmachine 52, the personal computer such as operation Windows XP also can be connected to server 50 by network 48.The major function ofPC 52 may be control and drivecentral display area 26.

In one embodiment, server 50 moves snipsnapsnorum on each desk 18.The major function ofmodule 34 is operation electronicsplayer interaction area 24, shows and the run user interface.

In another embodiment, the part of snipsnapsnorum or snipsnapsnorum can be carried out or operation bymodule 34 and/or computingmachine 52.

In another aspect of this invention,system 10 will realize changing the system of chip (cash out) based on chip (cash the in)/cash of cashing of player'saccount.System 10 will set up user account for each player.In case for the player has set up account, be the player and send gamercard (PlayerCard), it is relevant with identification number or PIN.In case the player has been sent out gamercard, its account can deposit fund in.Gamercard is used to discern the player on the desk 18.The player can save to its account, and by cash being put into money box (cage), here cash is received and is included into player's account.The receipt of printing can be given the user and be safeguarded by gambling house 12.For electronic money being taken on thedesk 18, the player sits down on a seat, brushes their gamercard and imports itsPIN.System 10 notifies its account balance of player and allows the account balance of its conversion all or part is that electronic money is to take in the recreation.

From the angle of software,system 10 can use six package to be implemented: desk server, game engine, desk client, player client, desk manager, and money box manager.The desk server has been realized network service, control and authentication, and the function (seat predetermined, many league matches) in the table.Game engine is responsible for all game functions, for example, generates a secondary electronic playing card, deals out the cards, bets, determines the winner and rewards total stake (pot).The desk client is the figure control of central display area 26.Player client has realized user interface for electronicsplayer interaction area 24, and catches player's input and the logic of communicating by letter that is input to the desk client server from the player.The desk manager comprises user interface, is used for being provided with user, network and game parameter, begins, suspends and stop recreation, and the alarm of monitoring ludic activity and responding system or user's generation.The money box manager provides sets up and deposits in fund to the player account and create the ability of gamercard.

With reference to Fig. 9 and 10, each electronicsplayer interaction area 24 has realized player interface 54.Player interface 54 can (see above) ondesktop 20, or is implemented in module 34.In another embodiment,player interface 54 can realize onportable equipment 58, for example personal digital assistant (PDA).

Player interface 52 itself can be patterned (as shown in Fig. 9 and 10), maybe can be other form, for example simple text formatting.In one embodiment, electronicsplayer interaction area 24 provides the option of selecting, for example graph-based of electronic playing card table 56 or text interface for the player betweenseveral player interface 52.

Get back to Fig. 9 and 10, in one embodiment,player interface 54 comprises the diagrammatic representation of playing card table 56.Each player in the snipsnapsnorum can be listed their name and their chip sum by graphical user oricon 62 expressions.When total stake of shroud can be in the central authorities of playing card table 56 by stacks ofchips 64 and/or represent that the numeral 66 that current total stake is worth represents.Each player can be represented by the stacks ofchips 68 and/or thenumeral 70 of contiguous itsgraphical user 62 contribution of total stake.

Player interface 54 also can comprise a series of player'sselector buttons 72 and a series of game button 74.Player'sselector button 72 can comprise, for example, participates inbutton 72A, fromtable button 72B, and selector button 72C.Usually, have only and participate inbutton 72A and intable button 72B one is activated at anytime.Selector button 72C allows players accesses choice menus or screen (not shown), allows the player to revise some parameter ofplayer interface 54, for example, selects between the different-format of player interface 54.Game button 74 series allow the player to send the signal of its decision of playing games tosystem 10 between game playsession.Game button 74 can comprise abandonboard button 74A, with annotatingbutton 74B and filling button 74C.It is just effective when these typically only take turns to the player in snipsnapsnorum.In one embodiment,button 72 is implemented on screen displaying equipment 32.In as the embodiment that selects,button 72 is presented as electric mechanical switch or button (not shown).

In one embodiment,player interface 34 also can comprise community card (communitycard) 30.Other information that may be displayed on the player interface includes but not limited to indicate the total chip that takes turns to which player, each player, other player's supine board and/or the message of giving the player, for example advertisement.

In another aspect of the present invention,player interface 54 comprises the diagrammatic representation (seeing Figure 12) of one or more electronic playing cards 76.Eachelectronic playing card 76 all has front 76A and back side 76B.Theback side 76B of every board has same pattern or image, makes these boards see that backside 76B can not recognized.Electronic playing card 76 is in the secondary standard playing card typically.This secondary board can be the pair that the standard of 52 boards is arranged, and every board has face amount.This value has two ingredients: first is in two to ACE, and second portion is that the face amount of (red heart, square, plum blossom, spade) every board in four groups is instructed to out on the 76A of the front of everysheet playing card 76.

It can be logos, image at random (being selected from predetermined picture is concentrated) that theback side 76B of playing card goes up shown image, perhaps can be the advertisement at the player.This image also can comprise video.In one embodiment, the last shown image of theback side 76B of playing card can be the circulation of predetermined image collection.Image can be selected by the user, can be the employee in player or gambling house.

In one embodiment, electronic playing card ormany boards 76 are player's cards in one's hand in electronic playing card game.Yetelectronic playing card 76 can be used in the electronic card game of any kind, wherein wishes can controllably show/hide player's board.Like this, though the present invention can be in the context of electronic playing card game following being illustrated (more specifically) about the card in one's hand of player in Hold ' the em type snipsnapsnorum, the present invention is not limited to this board recreation.

In using the snipsnapsnorum of physical deck, wherein, player's board is issued with " facing down ", does not show any other player, and the player can see their board, attempts to make board that other players are maintained secrecy in several modes simultaneously.For example, the player can trump card near its health, spread out them, and cover them with their hand, feasible have only the player can see the front of their board.Perhaps, the player can be put on the table by trump card with facing down, lifts a side or the angle of a part that discloses the front at least, and the hand with them covers board simultaneously.

Controller, also bemodule 34,personal computer 52,portable equipment 58, server 50 or its combination simultaneously,control player interface 54, promptly, control is presented at the informational content of theplayer interface 54 on the electronicsplayer interaction area 24, touch on the detecting touch screen display device 32 (when having used), and these touches are interpreted as trigger or touch event (seeing below).As described below,controller 24,52,58,50 can be controlled the electronics card in one's hand that shows or block (hiding) player, makes the player can controllably show and see board, keeps them that other players are maintained secrecy simultaneously.Playing with the physics playing card as the player, like this, the player has an opportunity, and the hand with them blocks them before their board is exposed.

In one aspect of the invention, each electronicsplayer interaction area 24 is assigned to the player.In case the player has been assigned with the particular seat on thedesk 18,relevant EPIA 24 can be set to invalid or locking, and the name that can indicate the player who is assignedwith.In case EPIA 24 is locked, the player who is assigned with must login (login) to EPIA 24 (seeing below).

In case the player logins (log-in),EPIA 24 is activated, andplayer interface 54 is shown.Simultaneously, sinceEPIA 24 is effectively, the player can enter or participate in the recreation of playing ondesk 12, or reconciles/revise any available selection by opening (actuate)selector button 72C.

In an above-described embodiment, EPIA can use independentlymodular computer 34 to realize.In one embodiment,modular computer 34 comprises display 32, and it can be a touch-screen display 34.Touch-screen display shows the information (text and/or figure) about playing games, and realizes that onEPIA 24 button or selectable zone are for user's input.

The player can sign in tosystem 10 ordesk 18 by EPIA 24.In one embodiment, the player can use the player to follow the trail of card to sign in to system.The player follows the trail of card bycard reader 36 their players ofbrush.EPIA 10 also can require the keyboard of input (entry) PIN to subsidiary keyboard or realization on screen displaying equipment 34.As an alternative, perhaps, by way of parenthesis, the player can use such as the biometric parameter of fingerprint and login, and it comes perception by sensor and rfid card or chip.

In one aspect of the invention,EPIA 24 comprises that sound generates equipment, and it is used to generate the sound that the player that can be assigned toEPIA 24 hears.This sound generation equipment may be implemented as earplug or headhand, or one or more loudspeaker.The sound that is generated can be classified as system sounds or player's sound.System sounds comprises deliberately or is fit to the sound that everyone hears, comprises other players and non-player.Player's sound comprises deliberately but the sound that needn't only be heard by the player.For example, system sounds can comprise imitation shuffle, deal out the cards, throw chip to the sound of total stake, relate to the sound of winning jackpot.Player's sound can comprise prompting or the indication that takes turns to the player, if perhaps recreation is regularly, and the indication of excess time or time of using up.The proprietary sound of player is the sound that can only be heard by the player, may indicate the signal that can hear, and it has indicated player's card in one's hand or player's best board, or the number percent of the win relevant with player's one dish.

In another aspect of the present invention,EPIA 24 can realize via screen displaying equipment 32.Equipment 32 can be integrated in the module with computing machine.As an alternative, touch panel device 32 can be a separate equipment, is controlled by computingmachine 52 or server 50 on independently computing machine or thedesk 18.

In many public places ofentertainment 12, the playing card chamber in the gambling house for example, the part of each total stake or certain proportion can be given the place of this snipsnapsnorum of management.This part total stake is called as commission.In one embodiment, the commission amount of money of corresponding current total stake is displayed on each EPIA 24.Commission can be illustrated with the amount of money of dollar, and can comprise the graph-based of electronic money.

In one aspect of the invention,system 10 has used virtual electronic chip and virtual electronic playing card.In one embodiment,EPIA 24 can comprise the graph-based of chip, and/or the indication table is gone up the dollar amount of money of the remaining chip quantity of each player.In addition,EPIA 24 can comprise the graph-based of chip, and/or indicates the dollar amount of money of current total stake quantity.This total stake can be illustrated in the centre of the graph-based of playing card table.

In one embodiment, eachEPIA 24 also can be included in the graph-based of community card of centre of the graph-based of playing card table.The graph-based of other players' board also can be illustrated (facing down, facing up) when this dish finishes during shroud.

As mentioned above,system 10 may require the player to loginEPIA 18, and it is opened or the player has been assigned to it.Login can have multiple mode to finish (seeing above).Yet in case player's identity is established, the player can enter player's account, and the surplus that accesses to your account is bought chip.In addition, can be tracked about the information that the player plays on desk, and record on player's the account.

EPIA 18 can be provided earplug or headhand, so that sound (seeing above) or other signal to be provided to the player.

In one aspect of the invention, the sound that is provided by EPIA 24 (seeing above) uses the voice of emulation to provide.

In one aspect of the invention, system can use cash-free system, comes in and goes out or " TITO " (seeing below) such as bill.

In one embodiment,system 10 requires each player that player's account is all arranged.Player's account can have relevant surplus, and it comprises a dollar amount of money, the bonus of having collected by playing card or other recreation based on the amount of money of being saved by the player and/or they.In case the player is byEPIA 24 authenticating identities, the player can download dollar amount of money and buy chip and play.

Alternatively, bill (for example having bar code), magnetic card, rfid card, or some other media (being generically and collectively referred to as TICKET) can be inserted among the EPIA 24.TICKET can have relevant face amount, is printed on and/or is encoded thereon, perhaps is associated with TICKET insystem 10.

In addition, incase desk 18 is left in player decision, their any remaining chip can be converted back to dollar immediately, and is stored in their player's account, and/or new Ticket can be generated.

In another aspect of the present invention, eachEPIA 24 can provide the indication that whom takes turns to take action.If take turns to the player who is assigned toEPIA 24, thenEPIA 24 can provide appropriate signal, for example with their the name adjacency or the icon of any position onEPIA 24, and such as bleep or musical sound, and/or speech message.If take turns to another player,EPIA 24 can be by the text of icon and/or flicker, for example, indicates on the next door of player's name whom to take turns to.

As mentioned above,EPIA 24 comprises one group of player'sselector button 72, allows the player to take suitable action during taking turns to them, for example bets, abandons board or follow notes.In one embodiment, during the previous round, during the given recreation of playing regular, 24 of EPIA activate those suitable buttons 72.For example, if specific recreation filling has been reached maximum times, the button of then making a bet or annotate is with invalid.In addition, when not taking turns to this player, allbuttons 72 are all with invalid.

As mentioned above, each seat orEPIA 24 are assigned to specific player.The player can be assigned with the seat in the electronics wait tabulation of using queuing system, and perhaps the employee's usingsystem 10 by the gambling house distributes.Yet in some cases, the player may want to change the seat or move to another desk.For example, if another player or a plurality of player have left desk, only surplus less player is on desk, and the player do not want to play on the desk that has only so few player, and the player can require another time seating allocation byEPIA 24.

The present invention includes the method (seeing above) that shows and/or block player's card in one's hand.In addition, or independently,EPIA 24 can be reequiped the indication that the bonus ratio is provided based on board current in player's hand and community card.The bonus ratio can illustrate with text, and for example 55%, and/or graphically, for example circular diagram or histogram.The bonus ratio can be triggered and use the same trigger event relevant with card in one's hand to be illustrated.Alternatively, trigger event independently, for example the touch event of the position of another on EPIA24 can be used to illustrate the bonus ratio.

The present invention includes the method (seeing above) that shows and/or block player's card in one's hand.In addition, or independently,EPIA 24 can be reequiped the indication that the current best board of player (highest hand, master-hand) is provided based on board current in player's hand and public board.Preferably board can illustrate with text, and for example two pairs, and/or graphically, become the picture of five boards of best board.Preferably board can be triggered and use the same trigger event relevant with card in one's hand to be illustrated.Alternatively, trigger event independently, for example the touch event of another position onEPIA 24 can be used to illustrate best board.

1. use the surface acoustic wave touch screen technology

2. use (Multi Touch) touch screen technologies that touch more

3. the player leaves feature: allow the player to touch the button and make him leave this recreation temporarily by oneself.The blind notes that record misses are so that the protection process of his Resume Mission.

4. the game picture of user customizable: allow many game pictures and allow the user to select the method for the picture liked.

5. integrated loudspeaker

6. cover the preselected method of (obscure) player to one or several stake option: playing card are recreation of a kind of order.Exist the player to wonder the situation of before taking turns to them, taking what action.The mode of observing this action with the player who allows to sit closely allows the player to make decision before taking turns to them, and this can provide inequitable advantage to some player, and other people are not provided.This feature allows the player to do pre-decision by this way and observes its card in one's hand simultaneously, makes other players can not observe that is preselected.

7. show the ability on-the-spot and video of pre-recording

As mentioned above, playing card table 18 can comprise one or more EPIA 24.For example, each playing card table can have 11 seats and hold up to 11 players.EachEPIA 24 can have one or more features illustrated in IV.

In an aforesaid embodiment, EPIA can use independently ormodular computer 34 is realized.In one embodiment,modular computer 34 comprises it can being the display 32 of touch-screen display 34.Touch-screen display shows the information (text and/or figure) about playing games, and realizes that onEPIA 24 button or selectable zone are for user's input.

In one embodiment,modular computer 34 comprises it can being the display 32 of touch-screen display 34.Touch-screen display shows the information (text and/or figure) about playing games, and realizes that onEPIA 24 button or selectable zone are for user's input.

In one aspect of the invention,desk 18 comprises that desk sound generates equipment, is used to generate the sound that the player can hear.Desk sound generates equipment and can realize on the one or more loudspeakers that are mounted or are integrated on the desk 18.As an alternative, desk sound generates the loudspeaker that equipment can comprise that one or more and eachEPIA 24 are adjacent or integrated.In general, sound generates device plays system sounds or player's sound, is fit to each player and listens.

For example, system sounds can comprise that imitation is shuffled, dealt out the cards, chip, throwing chip to the sound of total stake, relate to the sound of winning jackpot.Player's sound can comprise prompting or the indication that takes turns to the player, if perhaps recreation is regularly, and the indication of excess time or time of using up.In general, the proprietary sound of player can not play by player's sound generation equipment.

In one embodiment of the invention, playing card table 18 comprises central display area 26.As mentioned above, independent electronicsplayer interaction area 24A-24J is used to directly transmission information and gives the player who is assigned to concrete electronicsplayer interaction area 24A-24J, and realizes that player's user interface is to finish mutual or to import from the player.Central orpublic viewing area 26 is used to display message and gives all players.

Community card 30 is shown in central authorities orpublic viewing area 26.

In one embodiment,central display area 26 realizes on display 38 independently, for example LCD or plasma display or similar equipment.The other parts of desktop can be used such as felt, or more specifically, the such material of green, blue or red felt covers.Logos, game information or out of Memory can be imprinted on this material.

As mentioned above,community card 30 is being shown with the size that the first predetermined ratio is shown greater than card in one'shand 26, andcommunity card 30 is shown with the second predetermined ratio.First and second estimated rates can be represented as the ratio of standard-sized playing card or predetermined default size.In one embodiment, first and second ratios are identical.In another embodiment, the first and second ratio differences.For example, first and second ratios can be defined like this and makecommunity card 30 be shown as greater than card in one'shand 28.

In embodiment as an alternative, electronicsplayer interaction area 24 andcentral display area 26 can realize on individual monitor that it has covered most of desktop.Electronicsplayer interaction area 24 andcentral display area 26 can be separated by virtual boundary with the other parts of desktop 20.Viewing area around electronicsplayer interaction area 24 and thecentral display area 26 can be used to imitate the desktop of standard playing card table, for example, can be shown such as the image of the material of green felt.In addition, logos, game information, out of Memory, advertisement, announcement, picture, video, or out of Memory can be shown, rotate, take turns commentaries on classics or be shown in the limited time on thedesktop 20.

Typical display, for example LCD or plasma monitor shape are rectangles.As shown in FIG., coverture can be integrated withdesktop 20, and can comprise cut out the part (cut out).Coverture has covered the outer boundary of display.Only that part of display in cutting out part (cut-out) is visible.In the embodiment that is illustrated, this is cut out part and has shape, and is for example oval, similar to the shape of desk.

As mentioned above, commission is defined as a part or the certain proportion of each total stake, gives the place to manage this snipsnapsnorum.This part total stake is called as commission.In one embodiment, the amount of money of the commission of corresponding current total stake is displayed on the central display area 26.Commission can be illustrated with the amount of money of dollar, and can comprise the graph-based of virtual chip.

In another aspect of the present invention,central display area 26 can provide the indication that whom takes turns to take action.In one embodiment,central display area 26 can provide appropriate signal, such as icon, and for example arrow or other symbol, such as the sound of bleep or musical sound, and/or speech message.Take turns to whose indication and can be affixed to indication on theEPIA 24.

During dish playing card, even the people is arranged as banker on the standard playing card table, one among the player is designated as " banker ", to safeguard the order of sending out playing card and making a bet.In one aspect of the invention, which player iscentral display area 26 can provide be designated as indication when " banker " of shroud.In one embodiment,central display area 26 can provide appropriate signal, such as icon, and for example arrow or other symbol.Take turns to whose indication and can be affixed to indication on the EPIA24.

As mentioned above, card in one'shand 28 is shown on electronicsplayer interaction area 24 separately with facing down, and community card is shown in central display area 26.In one aspect,community card 30 is bigger than the size that card in one'shand 28 shows.

In one embodiment, card in one'shand 28 is shown with the first predetermined ratio, andcommunity card 30 is shown with the second predetermined ratio.First and second estimated rates can be represented as the ratio of standard-sized playing card or predetermined default size.In one embodiment, first and second ratios are identical.In another embodiment, the first and second ratio differences.For example, first and second ratios can be defined like this and makecommunity card 30 be shown as greater than card in one'shand 28.

In one aspect of the invention,desk 18 provides snipsnapsnorum such as TexasHold ' em to the player.In one embodiment, the snipsnapsnorum that is provided is regularly recreation, that is, the player needs to finish each in the time limit at preset time and takes turns.For example, the player needs to finish each during fixing one minute and takes turns.Alternatively, time bar can be according to the variation of getting off, and for example can there be one minute finishing the time limit first round, and second takes turns shorter or longer finishing the time limit can be arranged.

In another aspect of the present invention, central display unit 38 can be used for display ads message.Advertisement information can comprise figure, picture, animation, video and/or audio from gambling house or third party.Advertisement can be presented at the ad-hoc location on the central display unit 38, and can change according to the time,, concentrates circulation at advertisement information that is.

8. demonstration and/or the animation of blind notes oncentral display area 26

9. demonstration and/or the animation of community card oncentral display area 26

10. stake and player chips pile up demonstration and/or the animation on thecentral display area 26

11. the indication of player oncentral display area 26 of abandoning board and not abandoning board

12. demonstration and/or the animation of triumph board oncentral display area 26

13.central display area 26 uses transceiver audio emission technology to remove the needs of stand-alone loudspeaker from

14. remain players' board when all revealed, for example, under the situation that the residue player advances entirely, the demonstration of estimation oncentral display area 26 of triumph board ratio

In another aspect of the present invention, the playing card table 18 in thesystem 10 is networked, and is connected on one or more servers 50.Server 50 can be used for realizing and convenient player follows the trail of, bill is come in and gone out (ticket in ticket out) (cash-free) make a bet, distribute the player be sitting in specific table upward, league matches (tournament play), build (set-up) desk and (comprise and open and shut desk, and revise the desk parameter), and (progressive) jackpot (jackpot) of accumulative total.Eachdesk 18 can have one or more EPIA 24.Playing card table 18 and EPIA can have one or more features illustrated in VI.A and VI.B.

In addition, miscellaneous equipment also can be connected to server 50 so that additional feature and/or function to be provided.For example, can provide queuing system (seeing below).This system can realize with the independently computing machine of realizing this function.Described independently computing machine also can be realized the further feature or the function of system.Yet, it should be noted that in some system these additional feature or functions can be provided at least in part by server 50.

In one aspect of the invention, server 50 these recreation of management.In other words, server 50 with the electronics mode " wash " playing card, deal out the cards, control the player by turns, receive player's input and correspondingly take action, follow the trail of, manage and reward total stake, follow the trail of commission, or the like ....Game data is stored in the database.(play) or the like imports at every turn, makes a bet, plays a card ... all be stored in the database.

In one aspect of the invention, distribute the queuing system at the seat of player to the playing card table 18 to be provided.If there is not available seat, queuing system also can realize waiting for tabulation.In one embodiment, one or more equipment, for example individual, notebook or flat computer, palmtop computer or PDA can be by one or more employee access in gambling house.Described equipment allows the employee to import client's name or player ID, perhaps brushes player's ID card.If available seat is arranged on thedesk 18, then the player can be assigned to this seat.

Can use if having more than a seat, in one embodiment, the employee can select (being with or without the input from the player) in the seat.As an alternative, equipment can use predetermined rule set to select the seat.

If there is not available seat, the player is arranged in the formation, up to there being the seat to vacate.In one embodiment, according to arriving first the principle of reception earlier, the player is moved out of and is assigned with the seat from formation.Yet it is that the player realizes that special rule is to avoid formation or tabulation thatsystem 10 can allow the gambling house.For example, the underwriter can be introduced for the player who satisfies some condition in the gambling house, has for example won in league matches, to be arranged to the formation front.

In one aspect of the invention, server 50 provides the interface to allow the user, for example authorizes or the employee in the gambling house of appointment, buildsnew desk 18 or revises the parameter of existing desk 18.The interface can be on server 50, or realizes on another is networked to the equipment of server 50.

The interface can provide one or more following features: the ability of opening/closing desk, change the ability of game parameter, and the recreation of making a bet, playing, the commission of Zhun Xuing for example, or the like ....

In one aspect of the invention, as mentioned above,system 10 follows the trail of every transaction, makes a bet, deals out the cards in database.The player who plays also follows the trail of insystem 10 on each desk 18.This information is stored in the database, is summed up, and is presented with the reporting format of any digital form.Any is that the information of how to play can be tracked about player, recreation and every dish.These available data also can be analyzed, with frequency (per hour) of determining respectively to coil for playing card, or all recreation of specific player object for appreciation, perhaps survey for example ganging up between the player.

As mentioned above, in one embodiment, each player must belong to a player club, and the player ID card that is assigned with is arranged withlogin EPIA 24 poker board on desk 18.Each player follows the trail of the player account in the club.The account of following the trail of the player in the club has been followed the trail of the cash that player's poker board can use or the amount of money of money.Player's account has also been followed the trail of the situation that the player plays ondesk 18, comprise the amount of money of making a bet and the amount of money of win.

System 10 allows jackpots, and the jackpot that promptly adds up produces and wins by polydisc and/or many.The jackpot of accumulative total can be based on being increased by the amount of money of making a bet on the desk that comprises and/or win.The jackpot of accumulative total can continue to increase up to winning under a predetermined set condition.As an alternative, it can only be activated during preset time.The condition that wins jackpot was won before time durations finishes by one or more players.

System 10 allows the jackpot of accumulative total to be provided fund in many ways.The mode that the jackpot of accumulative total is provided fund can be to provide with funds by the computer program application on server 50 or the miscellaneous equipment.For example, Lei Ji jackpot can by from each total stake, get fixing ratio every a total stake or every n total stake and be provided fund.

The amount of money of the jackpot of accumulative total can be shown on central display unit 38 and/or long-range display.

The jackpot of accumulative total can be under some definable condition, and/or concrete incident, i.e. market incident is by initialization randomly.The jackpot of accumulative total can be an independent dish (having passed through polydisc), the dish of the predetermined number on a desk, or passed through polydisc, during the preset time in, or the like ....

15. accumulative total, marginal not (side-bet), two turning over (double up), mysterious (mystery) and many other jackpot technology are understood about automatic fruit machine is fine.Combine the method and system of those technology of application with the automatic playing cards bidge table.

16. display management account in EPIA

In another aspect of the present invention, after jackpot was won by the player, one or more management (government) account can be presented to the player on player's EPIA 24.This form can receive player's electronic signature (if can allow), perhaps can notify the player these requirements, and guides them to position that they can fill in a form.This equipment can be individual, notebook or flat computer, palmtop computer, PDA, or other equipment that is fit to.

In one aspect of the invention, one or more employees in gambling house can be assigned to manage a plurality of desks.An employee can managing queueing system (when being provided).The equipment that is networked to server can be provided, and it provides different functions to the employee.This equipment provides the instrument panel application, allows the employee to manage the different aspect ofdesk 18.

In one aspect of the invention, the employee can see about the different pieces of information of desk current state, include but not limited to, and player, total stake, bet information, community card, or the like ....

For example, the employee responds request in person or the request of making byEPIA 24, can see that tracked data are to seek the sign of ganging up between two or more players.For example, whether the employee can determine to have on specific desk two or more people that the custom of playing a card is simultaneously arranged, and determines to play a card whether cognizable pattern is arranged, and this will provide the evidence that does not allow them to play together.

In one aspect of the invention, eachEPIA 24 can provide the button of calling or instructing the gambling house employee for the player.For example the player can ask owner/hostess to order beverage.In addition, the player can ask the employee to recall to have taken place ondesk 18 or occurent thing, and for example, possible gangs up.This can finish anonymously.

As above illustrated, the equipment that allows the player to managedesk 18 also can allow the employee automatically or the artificially distribute the player to specific desk and/or seat and/orEPIA 24.

In one embodiment, the advertisement on the server 50 control central display units 38.Advertisement also can be provided onEPIA 24 that is associated withdesk 18 and/or long-range display.Server 50 can be controlled advertisement content, frequency and/or circulation.

In one aspect of the invention, the player may resist do not play one the dish or polydisc, perhaps leave desk do not play one the dish or polydisc.Yet typically, if the player determines to play a dish subsequently, the player owes current total stake the predetermined amount of money to each dish that misses, i.e. " the blind notes " of every intertwining mistake.In one embodiment, if an opt-out dish or the polydisc of player, then the dish number that misses is followed the trail of bysystem 10, in case and automatically the dish number that misses of deduction multiply by the amount of money that the player determines to play the blind notes of another dish.

As mentioned above,system 10 has write down each transaction, dealt out the cards or has played a card, made a bet or the like in database.Thispermission system 10 is recovered from any mistake, and makes recreation enter identical state.

System's 10 facilities league matches.In league matches, there is the player's of predetermined number thedesk 18 of predetermined number to be related to.Requirement buys in, for example 100 dollars.Typically, after the player lost its all money, they were got rid of from league matches.

Under pre-defined rule, the player can register league matches and be assigned with seat on the desk.During playing, under predetermined rule, desk can be ended (break down), and the player is distributed onother desk.System 10 comes convenient league matches by one or more following features are provided:

A) registration

B) follow the trail of league matches information

C) on central display unit and/or long-range display, show league matches information

D) league matches is built, and for example, buys in

E) buy in again

F) league matches jackpot, cash or registration (entry) underwriter is to enter another league matches (the concrete league matches or the term of validity)

G) process of termination desk

(1) the suspended message of desk

(2) pass on new seating allocation

(3) determine the termination order

(4) show the termination order

H) show about the state of other desk and the information of the player on other desk

I) monitor and regulate the system of single desk at each dish hourly between league period: between the playing card league period, it is very important that each desk and all other desks have per hour been played the dish number that is roughly the same.This can be by suspending recreation and/or slowing down recreation and do not suspend and realize.

J) league matches in many places.

K) based on league matches payment desk and the last position in league matches thereof automatically to the system of player pays league matches bonus.

17. throw blind notes automatically, and the method for opening and closing of throwing the blind notes of blind notes/miss automatically

18. in restriction jackpot and unrestricted stake structure, calculate the method for the wager amounts that is allowed to automatically

19. change commission automatically based on number of players, the jackpot amount of money, time, type of play and/or other criterion in one day

20. the ability of commission discount to single player is provided

21. the player is moved to another from a seat on same desk, or to another desk: there is the situation of being forced to (" must move ") or wishing sliding seats.This feature provides automatic notice and has moved player's information from a seat to another.

22. the database and the network architecture that allow the networking of single and a plurality of places and manage a plurality of playing card tables

23. follow the trail of and report player statistics data: in internet data presented and method, and/or the player analyzes the method for the statistics of playing before it

24. check desk that available desk and registration are on-the-spot and/or via ability such as the league matches of the long-range connection of internet or automatic speed response unit

25. regulate the option (shuffling, deal out the cards, abandon the speed of board, stake or the like) of the speed of playing

26. change money to desk from account electronically

Arrive another 27. change money electronically

28. use " cash card " band money to desk

29. the operator checks the ability of the details of any and all desks

30. the operator checks the ability of any and all players' details

In one embodiment of the invention, long-range or virtual game can be provided by system 10.Long-range or virtual game can be provided on wireless device, and plays at preposition.

Virtual game also can provide by EPIA 24.For example, virtual or remote game can be played by them when not taking turns to the playing card player.This virtual or remote game can be another dish playing card of playing with other players, on this desk or other desk, or plays with virtual players.As an alternative, long-range or virtual game can be the recreation of other type, includes but not limited to 21 points, Jino, automatic fruit machine, or the like ....

Except other gambling house recreation of operation onEPIA 24 or other terminal, system can move on other gambling equipment in gambling house.For example, virtual snipsnapsnorum can move on existing electronics guest fruit terminal or electronics horse race (race book) terminal.

Specifically with reference to Figure 13, in one aspect of the invention,system 10 is included as the electronic playing card table 18 that a plurality of players provide electronic playing card game.As mentioned above, this electronic playing card table 18 can be independent desk, or is arranged in of a plurality of electronic playing card tables 18 of theplaying card chamber 14 in gambling house for example.

As mentioned above, in one embodiment, this electronic playing card table 18 comprisesdesktop 20, hastable top 22 and a plurality of electronicsplayer interaction area 24 that is positioned at the periphery of this desktop 20.Each electronicsplayer interaction area 24 comprise with these players in one carry out mutual player interface.

Specifically with reference to Figure 14,player interface 54 comprises providesrabbit button 72D, and its use is illustrated below.

Toy computer 82 is connected to a plurality of electronicsplayer interaction area 24, to use at least one dish electronic playing card game ofvirtual board 76management.Toy computer 82 can be placed on the electronic playing card table 18 or be adjacent, and perhaps can be theserver computer 30 of a plurality of playing card tables 18, as mentioned above.

82 pairs of at least one dishes of toy computer are determined the winner, and reward total stake and give the winner.When management game,toy computer 82 sends at least one community card and at least one card in one's hand, after the winner is determined, allows any player to check any community card of not sending, with the unlatching ofresponse rabbit button 72D.

In one embodiment, this electronic playing card game comprised before sending described at least one community card and takes turns stake.Mode that the number of community card and they are issued and order, and stipulate by the rule of the recreation of being played the opportunity of each wheel stake.

Each player can be taken turns to during taking turns stake one.During taking turns to each player,toy computer 82 provides the chance of making a bet or abandoning board for the player.If one take turns stake during, have only one to abandon board among all remaining players, then Sheng Xia player is the winner.If this took place before any community card is issued, then they will keep not being issued.If when all are taken turns stake and finish, kept more than a player, then the winner is confirmed as comprising the function of master-hand's playing card of community card and each player's card in one's hand.

If specific board, if any community card keeps not being issued, thenrabbit button 72D is activated and/or is shown.

Rabbit button 72D is effectively after the winner is determined, and will remain valid during a period of time.The time period thatrabbit button 72D remains valid can be the regular time section, for example 30 or 60 seconds, and perhaps can be based on playtime.For example,rabbit button 72D effectively is issued or finishes up to next dish up to next dish board.

As mentioned above, each electronicsplayer interaction area 24 all comprises rabbit button 72D.Any one player can open itsrabbit button 72D separately.In one embodiment of the invention, if a player has opened itsrabbit button 72D separately, thecommunity card 88A that does not then send (seeing Figure 17) is shown in thecommunity card zone 84 of not sending on electronicsplayer interaction area 24 separately.In another embodiment, if a player has opened itsrabbit button 72D separately, thecommunity card 88A that does not then send is shown in thecommunity card zone 84 of not sending on all electronics player interaction area.

The less relatively part of electronicsplayer interaction area 24 may be occupied in the communitycard viewing area 84 of not sending, and goes out as shown.The communitycard viewing area 84 of not sending as an alternative, can comprise the relative main portions (remainder of also temporary transient overlay electronic player theinteraction area 24 or part of its remainder) of electronicsplayer interaction area 24.

The communitycard viewing area 84 of not sending can be shown (1) whenrabbit button 72D is pressed, and to predetermined amount of time, for example 5 seconds, (3) were pressed once more up torabbit button 72D (2).

As mentioned above, electronic playing card table 18 also can comprise thecentral display area 26 of the middle body that is positioned at desktop 20.In the 3rd embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the community card of not sending also can be shown in the communitycard viewing area 86 that second ofcentral display area 26 is not sent.

Get back to Figure 14, when openingrabbit button 72D by a player, except thecommunity card 88B that does not send,community card 88B that is issued and/or player's card in one'shand 88C also can be shown in thecommunity card zone 84 of not sending.Iftoy computer 82 also can provide theindication 88D of player's best board---the player stays in this dish and thecommunity card 88A that does not send is issued.

In one embodiment, thecommunity card 88A that does not send (andcommunity card 88B that is issued and player's card in one'shand 88C, if be shown) can use the diagrammatic representation (going out as shown) of board to be shown, or is expressed by text, for example, "red heart 2 " or

In one embodiment, electronic playing card game is played with virtual board and real chip.In another embodiment, electronic playing card game is played with virtual board and virtual chip.

In a second aspect of the present invention,method 90 provides electronic playing card game, be used on a plurality of electronicsplayer interaction area 24, and toy computer 18.What this method was illustrated as mentioned can be used on the electronic playing card table 18, or in what its system in office to realize electronic playing card game, for example based on the recreation of internet.In the recreation based on the internet,toy computer 82 can be the server of this recreation of operation, and electronicsplayer interaction area 24 can realize on the independent computing machine that is connected to server by the internet.

With reference to Figure 16, infirst step 90A, a dish electronic playing card game is managed especially.In the second step 90B, the winner of this dish electronic playing card game is determined and total stake is rewarded to the winner.In the 3rd step 90C, anycommunity card 88A that does not send can be displayed on one the electronicsplayer interaction area 84 among these players, and the player has opened itsrabbit button 72D (seeing above) separately with response.

Openingrabbit button 72D by one among these players will cause from just finishing or any community card of not sending of a last dish is shown.If the community card of not sending in the last dish is openedrabbit button 72D with inoperative.In this case,rabbit button 72 can be hidden or not be shown.

The described electronic playing card game oftoy computer 82 management.Described electronic playing card game is the snipsnapsnorum of " board turning " type, for example Hold ' em or Omaha playing card, and wherein the player is forced in one or more community card and makes the stake decision-making before being issued.Below the mutation of Hold ' em Poker has been adopted in the explanation of the operation of the described electronic playing card game oftoy computer 82 management, be commonly called Texas Hold ' em playing card.Yet, need recognize that the present invention is not limited to the playing card of any concrete version.

When the beginning of every dish electronic playing card game, random number generator or RNG (not shown) are used to the virtual board of 52 of pairs is shuffled, and determine the order of this secondary board.One of player is designated as banker.The player on the banker left side is called as " big blind notes (Big Blind) ", and the player on the big blind notes left side is called as " little blind notes (Little Blind) ".When a dish beginning, the player who is called as big blind notes must drop into the predetermined amount of money in total stake, for example, and 1,5 or 10 dollar.This amount of money is also referred to as big blind notes.The player who is called as little blind notes also must drop into the predetermined amount of money in total stake, typically be 1/2 of big blind notes.This amount of money is also referred to as little blind notes.Typically,toy computer 82 will automatically be deducted big blind notes and little blind notes respectively from player's a pile chip, and they are added in total stake.

After blind notes are added in total stake,game engine 82 will be sent out two boards, that is, player's card in one's hand all is ventricumbent to each player.These boards are displayed on each electronicsplayer interaction area 24 with facing down.As above illustrated, each player can controllably see their card in one's hand.

After card in one's hand was sent, stake was taken turns ingame engine 82 management one.First round stake is from the player on the little blind notes left side.In general, each player has been presented suitable selection set with the form of game button 74.In one embodiment, 74 of game button are shown during taking turns to the player.In addition, having only the rule according to the snipsnapsnorum of playing is thatappropriate games button 74 is shown.

After first round stake, three community card, promptly " board turning (flop) " is issued faceup and is shown by game engine 82.In one embodiment, community card is shown in each electronic playingcard interaction area 24, goes out as shown.If usedcentral display area 26, then community card can be used as selectively or additionally and is shown thereon.

Next be second to take turns stake.After second takes turns stake, the 4th community card, that is, " changeing board (turn) " dealt out the cards bygame engine 82, next is the third round stake.

After the third round stake, the 5th and last community card, that is, " river board (river) " is issued faceup.Next be the 4th and last take turns stake.If in the end one take turns after the stake remainingly more than a player, the player with best board is confirmed as the winner of this dish.

If first in third round stake any one take turns after, only surplus next player, then Sheng Xia player automatically is confirmed as the winner.Since one or more community card also is not issued, therabbit button 72D on each electronicsplayer interaction area 24 is activated as mentioned above or is shown.

Obviously, a lot of modification of the present invention and change all are possible according to above guidance.The present invention can with different being implemented that specified in the scope of appended claim.

Claims (41)

1. electronic playing card table that provides electronic playing card game for a plurality of players comprises:

Desk has the desktop that has table top;

Be positioned at a plurality of electronics player interaction area of the periphery of described desktop, each electronics player interaction area provide with described player in one carry out mutual player's interactive interface, described player interface provides the rabbit button; And

Be connected to the toy computer of described a plurality of electronics player interaction area, to manage the described electronic playing card game of at least one dish with virtual board, determine the winner of described at least one dish and total stake is rewarded to the winner, described toy computer is dealt out the cards at least one community card, after described winner had been determined, any community card of not sending was checked in the unlatching that allows any player to respond described rabbit button.

2. a kind of electronic playing card table as being proposed in the claim 1, described electronic playing card game had at least one stake of taking turns before described at least one community card is issued, described toy computer provides the chance of making a bet or abandoning board described one during taking turns stake for the player.

3. a kind of electronic playing card table as being proposed in the claim 2, if all other players abandon board, described toy computer determines that remaining player is described winner.

4. a kind of electronic playing card table as being proposed in the claim 1, described toy computer send at least one card in one's hand for each player, and each player's proficiency playing card are made up of its at least one card in one's hand and described at least one community card separately.

5. a kind of electronic playing card table as being proposed in the claim 1, wherein, described toy computer uses described virtual board and virtual chip to manage described electronic playing card game.

6. a kind of electronic playing card table as being proposed in the claim 1, wherein, described electronic playing card game is a version of Hold ' em playing card.

7. a kind of electronic playing card table as being proposed in the claim 1, wherein, described electronic playing card game is a version of Omaha playing card.

8. a kind of electronic playing card table as being proposed in the claim 1, described toy computer respond the unlatching of the described rabbit button on of described player interface, show any community card of not sending on described electronics player interaction area separately.

9. a kind of electronic playing card table as being proposed in the claim 1, the central display area that also comprises the middle position that is positioned at described desktop, give described player with display message, wherein said toy computer shows the described community card of not sending in described central display area.

10. a kind of electronic playing card table as being proposed in the claim 9, described central display area is implemented in central display device, described playing card table comprises that the central authorities that are connected to and drive described central display device show computing machine, and described central authorities show that computing machine is connected to described toy computer.

11. as a kind of electronic playing card table that is proposed in the claim 1, wherein, described electronics player interaction area realizes with display device independently.

12. as a kind of electronic playing card table that is proposed in the claim 11, wherein, described display device is a touch-screen display.

13. as a kind of electronic playing card table that is proposed in the claim 1, described toy computer is placed on the described playing card table or by long-range placement.

14. as a kind of electronic playing card table that is proposed in the claim 1, wherein, described community card that is issued and/or player's card in one's hand is shown with the described community card of not sending.

15. one kind is used a plurality of electronics player interaction area and toy computer that the method for electronic playing card game is provided on the electronic playing card table, each electronics player interaction area provide with described player in one carry out mutual player interface, each player interface has the rabbit button, described toy computer is connected to described a plurality of electronics player interaction area, comprising:

Use virtual board to manage the described electronic playing card game of at least one dish by described toy computer, described at least one dish comprises at least one community card; Described at least one dish is determined the winner and total stake is rewarded to described winner; After described winner had been determined, any community card of not sending was checked in the unlatching that allows any player to respond described rabbit button.

16. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 15, described electronic playing card game had at least one stake of taking turns before described at least one community card is issued, described method is included as described player and provides the step of making a bet or abandoning the chance of board described one during taking turns stake.

17. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 16, comprise, determine that remaining player is described winner's a step if all other players abandon board.

18. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 15, comprise the step of sending at least one card in one's hand to each player, each player's proficiency playing card are made up of its at least one card in one's hand and described at least one community card separately.

19. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 15, wherein, described electronic playing card game uses described virtual board and virtual chip to be managed.

20. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 15, wherein, described electronic playing card game is a version of Hold ' em playing card.

21. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 15, wherein, described electronic playing card game is a version of Omaha playing card.

22. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 15, comprise the unlatching of the described rabbit button on the described player interface separately of response, on of described electronics player interaction area, show the step of any community card of not sending.

23. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 15, the step of managing described electronic playing card game comprises management one step of taking turns or taking turns more stake.

24. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 25, described total stake comprises virtual chip, the step that stake was taken turns or taken turns more in wherein said management one comprises the step of managing described total stake.

25., comprise the step that allows described player to buy virtual chip as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 24.

26., be included in the step that shows described virtual board on the described electronics player interface zone as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 24.

27. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 15, wherein, described electronic playing card game is provided on the internet.

28. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 15, wherein, described electronic playing card game is provided on the electronic playing card table.

29. method that electronic playing card game is provided for a plurality of players on the electronic playing card table, described electronic playing card table has desk, a plurality of electronics player interaction area, and toy computer, described desk has table top, described electronics player interaction area is positioned at the periphery of described desktop, each electronics player interaction area provide with described player in one carry out mutual player interface, each player interface has the rabbit button, described toy computer is connected to described a plurality of electronics player interaction area, comprising:

Use virtual board to manage the described electronic playing card game of at least one dish by described toy computer, described at least one dish comprises at least one community card; Described at least one dish is determined the winner and total stake is rewarded to described winner; After described winner had been determined, any community card of not sending was checked in the unlatching that allows any player to respond described rabbit button.

30. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 27, described electronic playing card game had at least one stake of taking turns before described at least one community card is issued, described method is included as described player and provides the step of making a bet or abandoning the chance of board described one during taking turns stake.

31. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 28, comprise, determine that remaining player is described winner's a step if all other players abandon board.

32. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 27, comprise the step of sending at least one card in one's hand to each player, each player's proficiency playing card are made up of its at least one card in one's hand and described at least one community card separately.

33. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 27, wherein, described electronic playing card game uses described virtual board and virtual chip to be managed.

34. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 27, wherein, described electronic playing card game is a version of Hold ' em playing card.

35. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 27, wherein, described electronic playing card game is a version of Omaha playing card.

36. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 27, comprise the unlatching of the described rabbit button on the described player interface separately of response, on of described electronics player interaction area, show the step of any community card of not sending.

37. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 27, described electronic playing card table comprises the central display area of the middle position that is positioned at described desktop, gives described player with display message, wherein, the described board that does not send is shown in described central display area.

38. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 27, the step of managing described electronic playing card game comprises management one step of taking turns or taking turns more stake.

39. as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 36, described total stake comprises virtual chip, wherein, the step that stake was taken turns or taken turns more in described management one comprises the step of managing described total stake.

40., comprise the step that allows described player to buy virtual chip as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 36.

41., be included in the step that shows described virtual board on described electronics player interface zone and/or the described central display area as a kind of method that is proposed in the claim 38.

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